CORE Project/Program Managers and Research Coordinators

Meet the CORE Project/Program Managers and Research Coordinators.

Project/Program Managers:

Emily Gallagher, RN
Project/Program Manager

Emily R. Gallagher is a research RN at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA. She received her BSN in Nursing, and prior to this, a BA in Psychology, both from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Emily has worked with Dr. Jennifer Temel on a number of intervention studies in the areas of palliative and supportive care for cancer patients and their families. Her particular interests include patient-clinician communication, patient decision making, electronic medical record utilization, research study design and database management.

Marie Iannone, MS, CCRP
Program Manager

Marie Iannone is the Program Manager for the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) at the Massachusetts General Hospital. In this role she supports CORE leadership with operational management of the program, staff management, project management, and assists with new protocol, grant, and manuscript submissions. She is a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) and earned a Master of Science in Biomedical Science from UMDNJ and a BS in Biology from Boston College.

Porsha Lark, MS, MPH
Project/Program Manager

Porsha L. Lark is the Project Manager of the cluster-randomized comparative effectiveness trial that focuses on comparing specialty palliative care versus primary palliative care for improving quality of life and end-of-life care among patients with acute myeloid leukemia (SCOPE-Leukemia). She is collaborating with Drs. El-Jawahri and Temel on this project. Prior to her role within CORE, she served as an IRB professional, specializing in the conductance of ceded research. She received her certification as an IRB professional in June 2021. She gained a passion for biomedical ethics and the inclusion of vulnerable populations in biomedical and behavioral research. She holds a Master of Science in Biomedical Research Technologies from Boston University and a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology and a certificate in Child, Youth, and Family Health from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.

Chardria Trotter, MBA, MPH, CPH
Project/Program Manager

Chardria Trotter is a Project Manager who joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program in 2017. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in biology and gerontology from the University of Southern California, Master of Business Administration from Texas Woman’s University, and a Master of Public Health with an emphasis on health management and policy from University of North Texas Health Science Center. Chardria has nearly 10 years of experience in project management, partnership cultivation, regulatory compliance, quality assurance and data integrity. Her cancer research experience ranges from health disparity, rare disease, quality of life, and patient reported outcome studies. Under the leadership of Dr. Jennifer Temel, she manages a large multi-site study that focuses on the comparative effectiveness of early integrated telehealth versus in-person palliative care for patients with advanced lung cancer.

Research Coordinators that work with CORE:

Seetha Aribindi

Seetha Aribindi joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) as a Clinical Research Coordinator in June 2021. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Neuroscience and a distinction as a Public Policy Research Scholar in May 2021. Seetha works with Dr. Jennifer Temel, Dr. Joseph Greer, and Dr. Kathryn Post to investigate an intervention designed to reduce physical and psychological stress for patients with advanced lung cancer. Seetha was drawn to working with CORE because of the group’s focus on developing new ways to support patients through health challenges. After her time with CORE, Seetha plans to pursue a career in medicine.

Cayley Bliss

Cayley Bliss is a Clinical Research Coordinator in the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) and the Mongan Institute for Health Policy. She is very excited and grateful to be a part of the CORE team! She graduated from Boston College in May 2021 with a B.A. in Psychology (Clinical Concentration) and a minor in Applied Psychology and Human Development. At CORE, Cayley works with Dr. Elyse Park on multiple studies that offer health insurance patient navigation to both childhood and adult cancer survivors. She also works on a multi-site study that integrates tobacco treatment into lung cancer screening. In the future, Cayley plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology.

Kofi Boateng

Kofi Boateng is originally from the Bronx, NY. After graduating from Lafayette College in 2016, he completed a Fulbright English Teaching Fellowship in India and earned an MPH in Healthcare Management from Boston University. Kofi joined the CORE program as a Clinical Research Coordinator in March 2021 and works with Dr. Tejaswini More Dhawale on a qualitative study focused on examining patients’, caregivers’, and clinicians’ experiences with communication about CAR-T therapy. Kofi intends to pursue a career in medicine and continue with patient care research.

Joely Centracchio

Joely Centracchio joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) as a Clinical Research Coordinator in June of 2021. After graduating with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Medical Humanities from Boston College in 2020, she worked as a Clinical Research Associate in the Cellular Immunotherapy Program at the MGH Cancer Center. Joely currently works with Dr. Joseph Greer, Dr. Jennifer Temel, and Dr. Areej El-Jawahri on the THRIVE study: a supportive care mobile application aimed to improve symptoms, coping, and quality of life among patients living with advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). She is both excited and grateful to be joining such an innovative, collaborative research team. After her time spent in CORE, she plans to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology.

Joanna Choe

Joanna Choe joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) as a clinical research coordinator in June 2022 after graduating from Boston College with a B.S. in environmental geoscience and a global public health minor. Joanna works with Dr. Areej El-Jawahri primarily on the SPRINT study, which is a randomized control trial that examines the impact of early intervention palliative care to patients with acute myeloid leukemia and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. She also works on the VIDEO-Home study that looks at the effectiveness of a video-based advanced care planning intervention among patients with a limited prognosis. Joanna intends to apply the knowledge and clinical skills learned at her time at CORE to a career in medicine and public health advocacy.

Katie Cronin

Katie Cronin joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) as a Clinical Research Coordinator in November 2021. She graduated from Hamilton College in May 2021 with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies and ran for the varsity cross country and track teams. Katie works with Dr. Areej El-Jawahri on a randomized intervention to address sexual health and intimacy in hematopoietic stem cell transplant survivors (SPARK). She also works with Dr. Ashley Nelson studying cognitive-behavioral therapy as a treatment for fatigue in transplant survivors. After her time at CORE, Katie hopes to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology.

Shibani Datta

Shibani Datta joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) as a Clinical Research Coordinator after graduating from the University of Washington in 2021 with a B.S. in Psychology. She works with Dr. Jamie Jacobs on the INITIATE study which aims to understand and address barriers to Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy initiation for breast cancer survivors. Shibani is also working with Dr. Deb Forst on the NeuroCARE study that focuses on supportive care needs of caregivers of patients recently diagnosed with malignant glioma. In the future, Shibani plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology.

Juan Gasca Banda

Juan Gasca Banda joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) as a Clinical Research Coordinator in the summer of 2021 after graduating from Tufts University with a B.S. in Biology and Clinical Psychology. He currently works with Dr. Areej El-Jawari on ENVISION, a cross-sectional study focused on developing and evaluating the Prognostic Awareness Questionnaire, which will address the lack of current methods that measure prognostic understanding for patients with cancer. After his time with CORE, Juan hopes to attend medical school and specialize in the field of Psychiatry.

Maanasi Gothoskar

Maanasi Gothoskar joined the Cancer Outcomes and Research Education program (CORE) as a Clinical Research Coordinator in June 2022. She graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Maanasi is working with Dr. Areej El-Jawahri on a survivorship study for transplant patients, utilizing a remote intervention to improve quality of life. She is also working with Dr. Daniel Lage on a home care intervention to monitor recently discharged patients with advanced cancer with the aim of reducing symptom burden and hospitalizations. In addition, she works on a qualitative study to understand barriers to uptake of exercise and health behaviors for men with prostate cancer in order to develop a supportive care intervention. After her time at CORE, she intends to pursue a career in medicine and continue health outcomes research.

Jacqueline Han

Jackie Han joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) in June 2021 after graduating from Cornell University with a B.A. in Chemistry and Chemical Biology and minor in Business. As a Clinical Research Coordinator, she works with Dr. Jennifer Temel, Dr. Joseph Greer, and Dr. Kathryn Post on a multi-site study investigating palliative care intervention delivery models for patients with advanced lung cancer. Jackie is passionate about healthcare policy, health equity, and the integration of mental and physical care. She is thrilled to be working with a brilliant and interdisciplinary team. After her time in CORE, she plans to pursue a career in medicine.

Max Hernand

Max G. Hernand considers himself lucky to have joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) as a Clinical Research Coordinator in the fall of 2022. Originally from Los Angeles, CA, Max graduated from the University of Michigan in April of 2022 with a BA in Psychology. He currently works with Dr. Daniel Lage on a home care intervention for recently discharged patients with advanced cancer, a clinical psychology-based intervention for minority men with prostate cancer, and a pilot study of a home supportive care intervention for patients recently discharged after a cystectomy. In time, Max intends to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology and to continue studying the psychosocial experience of chronic and terminal illnesses.

Katie Holmbeck

Katie Holmbeck joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) as a Clinical Research Coordinator in July 2022. She graduated from Bucknell University with a B.S. in Neuroscience and a double minor in Economics and Geography. She currently works with Dr. Areej El-Jawahri on NAVIGATE, a multi-site randomized control trial which evaluates the efficacy of a mobile app to help patients cope with the diagnosis and treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. She is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the team and hopes to pursue a career in medicine after her time with CORE.

Kelly Hsu

Kelly Hsu is a Clinical Research Coordinator with the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE). She joined in June 2021 after graduating from Wellesley College with a B.A. in Neuroscience. Kelly works with Dr. Laura Petrillo on the UPLIFT study, research focusing on improving patient-physician communication regarding cancer and immunotherapy. She also works on the POISE study, testing a novel survivorship and palliative care intervention for patients with lung cancer on targeted therapy. After her time with CORE, she plans to attend medical school and continue pursuing her interests in education and health outcomes research.

Teresa Indiolo

Teresa Indriolo is a Clinical Research Coordinator with the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program and the Gastrointestinal Division at Massachusetts General Hospital. She graduated from Boston University with a B.A. in Psychology and Brain Sciences along with dual minors in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality studies and Deaf Studies. At CORE she works with Dr. Areej El-Jawahri and Dr. Nneka Ufere on a longitudinal, prospective study to assess the palliative, supportive, and end-of-life care needs of patients with end-stage liver disease and their caregivers. Teresa intends to pursue a career in medicine and utilize the knowledge and clinical skills gained during her time with CORE to continue to aid in the advancement of patient care research.

Evie Jin

Evie Jin joined the Clinical Outcomes Research and Education (CORE) Program as a Clinical Research Coordinator in February 2023. She graduated from New York University in December 2022 with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies. Evie works with Dr. Daniel Lage on CONTINUUM, a care transition intervention for patients with advanced cancer, and PROWESS, a clinical psychology-based intervention to motivate exercise in men with prostate cancer. After her time with CORE, Evie plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in psychiatry.

Kyle Karpinski

Kyle Karpinski joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) as a Clinical Research Coordinator in June 2022. He grew up in Tallahassee, Florida and graduated from Boston College with a B.S. in Biology. Kyle works with Dr. P Connor Johnson on a longitudinal study assessing the needs of patients and caregivers receiving CAR T-cell therapy and on a randomized control trial aimed at exploring and testing the feasibility and efficacy of an educational video tool for patients undergoing CAR T-cell therapy. He intends to pursue a career in medicine after his time at CORE.

Anya Lavallee

Anya Lavallee is a Clinical Research Coordinator who joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) in June 2022. She graduated from UMass Amherst in 2022 with a B.S. in Biology and a psychology minor. Anya works with Dr. Daniel Lage on a study evaluating a care transition intervention for patients with advanced solid tumor cancers following hospitalization. She is grateful to be working with such an amazing team here at CORE. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in medicine, possibly specializing in oncology.

Lucinda Li

Lucinda Li is a Clinical Research Coordinator with the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) and the Gastrointestinal Division. She joined in June 2022 after graduating from Wellesley College with a B.A. in Neuroscience and a minor in Economics. Lucinda works with Dr. Areej El-Jawahri and Dr. Nneka Ufere on a longitudinal, prospective study to assess cirrhotic patients' quality of life and palliative, supportive, and end-of-life care needs. After her time with CORE, Lucinda intends to attend medical school and further pursue her career in medicine.

Elizabeth Mattera

Elizabeth joined the CORE team at MGH as a Clinical Research Coordinator in January 2022. Under the leadership of Dr. Areej El-Jawahri, Elizabeth studies sexual health and supports a randomized intervention to address sexual dysfunction in hematopoietic stem cell transplant survivors. She came to our group with psychiatric research experience from the Yale School of Medicine and psychophysics research experience from Brown University. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Boston's vegan food scene and spending time with her pup, Penelope. Elizabeth intends to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology with the hopes of studying taboo thoughts, suicidality, and NSSI.

Anisa Nabily

Anisa Nabily joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) as a Clinical Research Coordinator in January 2022. She graduated from Harvard University with a Master of Education in Human Development and Psychology and has prior experience working in the education-nonprofit sector and in conducting behavioral research. At CORE, Anisa works with Dr. Areej El-Jawahri on a cluster randomized trial that compares the effectiveness of specialty palliative care versus primary palliative care in improving end-of-life care and quality of life among patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (SCOPE-Leukemia). After her time with CORE, she plans to pursue a career as a healthcare professional and continue engaging in work that improves patients’ behavioral health outcomes.

Alyx Podgurski

Alyx Podgurski joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) as a Clinical Research Coordinator in October 2021. She graduated from Fairfield University in May 2021 with a B.S. in Psychology with a concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience. Alyx works with Dr. Deb Forst on the NeuroCARE study that focuses on supportive care for caregivers of patients recently diagnosed with malignant glioma. She is very grateful and excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the CORE team. In the future, she is planning to pursue a PhD in Neuropsychology.

Riley Psenka

Riley Psenka joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) as a Clinical Research Coordinator in June 2022 after graduating from Boston College with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Medical Humanities. Within CORE, Riley works with Dr. Lara Traeger on a qualitative pilot study that collects the experiences of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) and their caregivers to better understand their journey and unmet needs during total neoadjuvant therapy. She also works on a multi-site randomized controlled trial that assesses the influence of a mind-body intervention program on aging adults’ stress-management skills and resilience. She is excited to work with such a caring, interdisciplinary team that strives towards improving patient-centered care. After her time at CORE, she plans to pursue a career in medicine.

Autumn Rasmussen

Autumn West Rasmussen joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) in January 2021. She graduated in the Spring of 2020 from Wesleyan University with a B.A. in Psychology and a Concentration in the Cognitive Sciences. Prior to joining CORE, Autumn held an internship at the MGH OCD and Related Disorders Program. At CORE, Autumn primarily works with Drs. Elyse Park and Brett Goshe on a multi-site study, which offers virtual smoking cessation counseling, and promotes health-related behaviors, among cancer patients. After her time with CORE, Autumn hopes to pursue her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.

Katharine Roberts

Kat Roberts joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) as a clinical research coordinator in June 2022. She graduated with B.A.s in Psychology and Sociology from Hamilton College in May 2022, where she played for the Varsity Tennis Team and served as a member of Hamilton’s Association for Volunteering, Outreach, and Charity. Kat is working with Dr. Jennifer Temel and Dr. Joseph Greer on REACH PC, a multi-site clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of telehealth versus in-person palliative care for patients with advanced lung cancer. After her time at CORE, she plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a focus on severe illnesses in the incarcerated population.

Anna Ruprecht

Anna Ruprecht joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) in June 2022 after graduating from American University with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Justice, Law, and Criminology. Anna works with Dr. Jennifer Temel, Dr. Joseph Greer, and Dr. Kathryn Post on a multi-site study investigating palliative care intervention delivery models for patients with advanced lung cancer. Anna is passionate about psychosocial oncology and the psychological impacts of severe disease diagnosis. She is delighted to be joining such an incredible and dedicated interdisciplinary team. After her time in CORE, Anna hopes to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology.

David Schneider

David Schneider joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) as a clinical Research Coordinator in June 2022 after graduating from the College of the Holy Cross with a B.A. in Chemistry. David works with Dr. Connor Johnson on a longitudinal study investigating the effect of supportive oncology care at home, with the goal of improving the lives of patients undergoing chemotherapy and chemoradiation. After his time with CORE, he hopes to pursue a career in medicine.

Madeleine Scully

Madeleine Scully joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) as a Clinical Research Coordinator in June 2022. She graduated from Duke University with a B.A. in Psychology. She works with Dr. Lara Traeger on the Transitions study, which focuses on helping lung cancer patients make the transition from active treatment to survivorship with supportive care interventions. In the future, she hopes to obtain a PsyD to treat underserved communities.

Samar Shaqour

Samar Shaqour joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) as Clinical Research Coordinator in June 2021. She graduated from Tufts University with a B.S. in Biopsychology and a minor in English. She works with Dr. Kelly Irwin on the Bridge Study, a randomized controlled trial that is centered on analyzing the health disparities faced by individuals with cancer and serious mental illness. Additionally, she is part of the ENGAGE Initiative, which both raises awareness about the health disparities faced by individuals with cancer and serious mental illness, and advocates for equity. After her time at CORE, she hopes to pursue a career in medicine.

Lauren Thomas

Lauren Thomas is originally from Dallas, TX. After graduating from the University of Miami in 2020, she was awarded and completed a Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Fellowship at the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, MD. Lauren joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) as a Clinical Research Coordinator in the summer of 2022 and works with Dr. Kelly Irwin on the Bridge Study, a randomized controlled trial that is centered on analyzing the health disparities faced by individuals with cancer and serious mental illness (SMI). She shares Dr. Irwin’s passion for examining barriers to cancer care in individuals with SMI. Lauren intends to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology and continue with psychiatric oncology research.

Yael Turk

Yael Turk joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) as a Clinical Research Coordinator in June 2021. She graduated in 2021 from Muhlenberg College with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Public Health. Yael is working with Dr. Jennifer Temel and Dr. Joseph Greer on the REACH PC study, a multi-site clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of tele-health versus in-person palliative care for patients with advanced lung cancer. She is passionate about improving palliative care accessibility and working toward increasing health care equity. She is also grateful to be working with such a dedicated and collaborative team. After her time with CORE, Yael plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology.

Alison Wheeler

Ali Wheeler joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) as a Clinical Research Coordinator in June of 2022. She graduated from Middlebury College in 2022 with a BA in Neuroscience and a minor in Global Heath and played for the varsity volleyball team. Ali works with Dr. Jamie Jacobs on a multi-site randomized control trial of supportive therapy interventions for the family and friend caregivers of patients with cancer, in collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. After her time with CORE, she plans to pursue a career in medicine.

Nikka Yamin

Nikka Yamin joined the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) as a Clinical Research Coordinator in June of 2022. She graduated from Boston University with a BA in Biology with a Specialization in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, and Genetics. She works with Dr. Areej El-Jawahri on OPTIMIZE, a pilot study aiming to evaluate a Hospital-at-Home intervention for patients with blood cancers at the end of their lives. After her time at CORE, she hopes to pursue a career in medicine.

Daniel Yang

Daniel Yang joined the Clinical Outcomes Research and Education Program as a Clinical Research Coordinator in June 2021. He grew up in Sherborn, Massachusetts and graduated from Boston College in May 2021 with a B.S. in Information Systems and a minor in Biology. Daniel works with Dr. Connor Johnson on a longitudinal study assessing the clinical and patient factors associated with quality-of-life trajectory in older patients with aggressive lymphomas. He hopes to pursue a career in medicine after his time at CORE.

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